MIESZKALSKI, Boleslaw (Joe)

Boleslaw (Joe) Mieszkalski took his place with God on Friday, December 21, 2012 after a remarkable 86 years.

His wife of fifty-five years, Robina, and their sons and families Ted (Ruth), Lauren and Claire; Peter (Susan), Alex, Grace, Nelson and Jacob; and nieces and nephews in British Columbia and Poland mourn their loss but all know he rests peacefully. Joe rejoins his parents, Katherine and Leon, and his brothers and sisters who have gone before him. Joe also meets again with our life-long family friend, Minnie May, who passed in 2010.

Joe was born in Kowale, Poland on February 10, 1926. He had to leave Poland as teenager for a life that would not see him return for some forty-six years. While in England in the 1950s, mutual friends introduced him to Robina. They came to Canada in 1957 where, in Lethbridge, they married the same year. During his life in Canada, Joe worked as a baker in a number of places and then eventually, with Robina, owned their own bakery. In retirement, they were both active volunteers in Holy Spirit Catholic Church and at the Beverly Care Centre, where they spent many years visiting residents and caring for their friend, Minnie.

Joe was, by all definitions, a gentle and clever man. He was a wonderful husband and inspirational father who gave much to his family. He left a litany of wonderful memories to enjoy. Our Joe “MacGyver” was an extraordinary self-trained engineer who, on many occasions, with great satisfaction could solve any household challenges with a piece of wood, a strip of tape and a coat hanger.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (1414 Shawnessy Boulevard S.W.) on Friday, December 28, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, 15 Colonel Baker Place N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 4Z3 Telephone: (403) 261-7219, www.cnib.ca or to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 6007 – 1A Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0G5 Telephone: (403) 255-6108, www.kidney.ca. Joe’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Drs. Bruce Jespersen, Brenda Hemmelgarn and Donald Buie for their special care over a number of years. Special thanks for compassionate care are also offered to Dr. Greg Schnell, the wonderful nurses and aides in Unit 71, and the warm people in Spiritual Care Services of the Rockyview Hospital.

Condolence Messages

I had the privilege of befriending Peter’s clan and meeting Mr. and Mrs. Mieszkalski seniors during their visit to Burlington, Ontario around Easter of 2011. My thoughts and prayers are with all the Mieszkalskis both now and later. May God continue to bestow abundant grace upon you. In God there is no darkness (1 John 1:5) or death (John 11:25).

Dear Robina, Ted, Peter and Families,
Our thoughts are with you all and many pleasant memories remain of the years working with Joe here in Calgary and time spent together with your family.
With sincerest sympathy, Ted, Wanda and Konicki Family